That's the opinion of the 17-year-old's former coach Cardiff and Vale County Schoolboys coach, Matty Davies.

The defender, who joined United from League Two side Newport County last year, made his senior debut as a late substitute in last month's 5-1 win over Midtjylland and Under-21s coach Warren Joyce has already praised the Welshman's adjustment to life at the club.

And Davies, who first came across Poole as a 13-year-old - is convinced the youngster can 'go all the way' in the game.

Ferdinand, an elegant footballer during his 12 years at United, spent an ill-fated stint in central midfield in 2006 and Poole has played all four of his U21s matches in a holding role shielding the back four.

Cardiff-born Poole scored his first United goal at junior level for the Reserves in Monday's Manchester Senior Cup win over Oldham while playing in midfield, and it is a role he is familiar with.

Poole played in the U21s' derby over City

"He started out in centre midfield and worked his way back," Davies added. "He can play in a number of positions. In terms of where he will end up, I haven't got a crystal ball but he played at right-back for us as well.

"We used Gareth Bale as an example because he played a lot at left-back. Regan's attitude is a bit similar to Ben Davies, who's now at Tottenham.

He was only able to make his U21s debut against Everton on February 1 because he was awaiting international clearance, but trained with the first-team as early as November before he was called up to the senior squad for the Europa League round-of-32 tie at Midtjylland.